Kumzhinskoye Gas Condensate Field Disaster: reasons, results and ways of eliminating the consequences

Abstract

The peculiarities of the geological structure of Kumzhinskoye gas condensate field (Kumzha Field) and causes of the emergency in 1980 that developed into disaster with severe longstanding consequences for the Arctic ecosystem are shown in the paper. Various stages and results of the elimination of gas and condensate blowouts including the use of underground nuclear explosion “Pirit” and highly effective electromagnetic method of connecting deviated wells to emergency wells are displayed and analyzed. Based on space remote sensing data it is proved, that these emissions are still going. Recommendations are made to prevent such catastrophic situations.